Chaffey

2018-2022 electoral district map

Features of the district

LocationThis large district is situated in the rural hinterland of eastern South Australia, with the state borders of New South Wales and Victoria forming its boundary to the east. It covers the Riverland region of the state, including the towns of Berri, Barmera, Loxton, Renmark and Waikerie.

AreaApproximately 24,265.88 km2

LocalitiesChaffey includes the Berri Barmera Council incorporating Barmera and Berri, Renmark Paringa Council incorporating Renmark, the District Council of Loxton Waikerie incorporating Kingston-on-Murray, Loxton and Waikerie and UIA Riverland. It also includes part of the Mid Murray Council incorporating Blanchetown, Cadell, Morgan, Sedan and Swan Reach, as well as parts of the Pastoral Unincorporated Area.

This list is indicative only.

History

The district was created at the 1936 redistribution of boundaries and first contested and represented in 1938.

Origin of the nameThe district is named after the Canadian-born brothers George and William Chaffey who came to Australia in 1886 and developed irrigation colonies in South Australia and Victoria, including Renmark and Mildura. The Chaffey’s principles of irrigation engineering had far-reaching effects, allowing orchards, vineyards and vegetable crops to be grown in the River Murray area.

Key boundary changes compared to 2014Chaffey gains part of Mid Murray Council incorporating the localities of Sedan, Swan Reach, Blanchetown, Morgan and Cadell. Chaffey also gains part of the Pastoral Unincorporated Area. Chaffey loses Southern Mallee District Council and the District Council of Karoonda East Murray. Chaffey also loses part of Mid Murray Council, including the locality of Purnong.